Warbird Gathering in Oberkulm

The IG Warbird hosted its 26th gathering, attracting 36 pilots to Oberkulm.

Early in the morning, the parking lot at the Kulm Model Flying Club was already filling up with vehicles, some of which were packed to the brim with model airplanes. IG Warbird Switzerland currently has 135 members—more than ever before. The models were carefully assembled and prepared for flight. At the mandatory briefing, which focused on safety, 36 pilots were present, having brought along about 60 model aircraft. With glorious weather, the atmosphere was excellent. The flight line quickly filled up, and patience was required. The variety of models was very broad; the classic World War II warbirds were still among the

There were more models than usual, but surprisingly, this time there were numerous biplanes to admire. The wind wasn’t an issue at first, but in the afternoon it changed direction several times, which caused some pilots a bit of trouble. Since the wind was sometimes blowing perpendicular to the runway axis, some models had trouble landing. Unfortunately, two pilots had bad luck: A Sea Fury suffered an engine failure after takeoff and could not be recovered, while a Focke-Wulf veered off course during takeoff and rolled over after one of its wings struck the runway. Otherwise, there was only minor damage, with the occasional propeller breaking here and there. →

A piece of Swiss aviation history: Beni von Arx’s Arbalète.

Jörg Rehm pulled off a true feat of skill when, during a fast, low flyby, the Impeller’s engine seized up; he brought his Fouga Magister back safely to the runway with a perfect landing.

While the “man-carrying” Mirage recently completed its final flight in Switzerland, five Mirage models were on display in Dübendorf.

At the debriefing, all participants received a certificate and, as is tradition, two stickers designed by Urs Mayländer.

A big thank you goes out to the organizers of this gathering! A huge thank you is also due to the loyal volunteers at the refreshment stand.

We’ll meet again in 2025 at the Dübendorf Military Airfield.

Markus Nussbaumer

Photos: Rodito Nussbaumer